If century rides and off-road epics are in your near future, now is the time to strengthen your legs—by strengthening your core. A recent study of 15 competitive cyclists found that when ab, back and oblique muscles fatigue, pedaling mechanics falter. That's because your core is the platform from which your legs push; when it cracks, so do you. Keep yours rock-steady with these three moves. Do two sets of 10 to 12 reps twice a week.

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A. Mountain Climber With your hands on either side of a stability ball, assume the push-up position. Contract abs for support. Lift one foot off the floor and pull that knee toward your chest. Return to start and repeat with the other leg. That's one rep. Continue alternating sides for a full set.

B. Balance Birddog Lie facedown on a stability ball so your hips hinge over the top of it, and extend your arms and legs to the floor so you're supported by your hands and the balls of your feet. Simultaneously raise your right arm and left leg as high as comfortably possible. Pause. Then lower back to start. Repeat to the opposite side. That's one rep. Continue alternating for a full set.